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Our top choices for Scarborough cheap hotels

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Scarborough Beach Resort QLD

Scarborough Beach Resort QLD
3.5 star property
Scarborough
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (545 reviews)
"Great location right across the street from the beach! Loved the rooftop pool!"
United States
Sherry
The price is £121
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Scarborough Beach Resort QLD
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Find out more about Scarborough

Discover cheap things to do in Scarborough

Scarborough, Queensland, is a hidden gem for budget-conscious travellers offering an array of affordable activities and experiences. Start your exploration at the picturesque Scarborough Beach, where you can enjoy a day of sun and surf without spending a dime. The beach is perfect for families, with shallow waters ideal for kids to splash about and plenty of space for a picnic on the sand. Just a short stroll away, you can visit the Redcliffe Jetty, where you can take in stunning views of Moreton Bay, and it's a fantastic spot for a leisurely afternoon walk or to watch the sunset. For those interested in nature, the nearby Botanic Gardens at the southern end of the peninsula offer free entry and beautiful walking paths, making it a lovely spot for a family outing. If you're keen on local wildlife, head to the nearby Moreton Island for a budget-friendly day trip, where you can swim with dolphins or even explore the sand dunes at little cost. As for dining, the area boasts several affordable cafés and fish and chip shops; don’t miss the famous fish and chips at the Scarborough Beach Hotel, where you can enjoy a hearty meal with an ocean view without breaking the bank. When it comes to accommodation, the areas around the beach are home to several budget-friendly hotels and motels that provide comfortable stays with easy access to all these attractions, ensuring you feel pampered while enjoying the convenience of nearby amenities.

How to get cheap hotels in Scarborough?

 

✅ The length of stay in Scarborough often varies depending on the nature of the trip, but many travellers opt to stay for several days or up to a week to take in Scarborough's notable landmarks and points of interest.

✅  If you're looking for cheap hotels in Scarborough in 2026, book your hotel well in advance. Reserving your stay at least a few weeks or months ahead of time can help you take advantage of amazing rates on cheap hotels in Scarborough, and if your plans change you can find many options of hotels with free cancelation.

✅  To find affordable hotels in Scarborough on Expedia, start by entering your travel dates and the number of individuals in your group. Once you've provided this information, you can refine your search results by filtering for budget hotels in Scarborough.

✅  Use the filtering tools offered by Expedia to refine your search results by location, price limits, amenities such as breakfast included, and other factors that matter to you. This will help you quickly locate the ideal budget-friendly hotel that fits your specific requirements.

✅  If you're looking to save money on a cheap hotel in Scarborough, the ideal time to go is usually during the off-season in Scarborough. On Expedia, you can find hotels from £121*.

✅  Scarborough offers numerous budget-friendly attractions and activities for travellers, such as art and exhibits at free museums and galleries or exploring Scarborough on foot.

✅  One of the best ways to find cheap hotels in Scarborough is to search Expedia for properties that provide family-friendly accommodations and features such as activities and complimentary meals, and then sort these by price.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Top Scarborough Hotel Reviews

Rydges Fortitude Valley

Rydges Fortitude Valley

10/10 Excellent
"Excellent accommodation, excellent service overall from our staff. Thank you. "
Elizabeth 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Rydges Fortitude Valley

Frequently asked questions

How much does a budget hotel in Scarborough cost?
Budget hotel prices in Scarborough vary, but you can find a great deal from £121 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.
Which area of Scarborough is best to stay in for cheap hotels?
For budget-conscious travellers looking for affordable accommodation in Scarborough, Queensland, focusing on areas slightly away from the immediate beachfront or exploring options further inland can yield significant savings. While Scarborough itself is a relatively compact peninsula, areas like Kippa-Ring or Rothwell, which are just a short drive or bus ride away, often feature more economical lodging choices.

Kippa-Ring, for instance, offers a selection of motels and guesthouses that are typically more budget-friendly than those directly on the waterfront. It's a convenient base for solo travellers looking for value, with good public transport links to Scarborough's main attractions and the broader Redcliffe Peninsula. You'll find local shops and eateries here too, often at more great prices.

Families might find Rothwell appealing due to its slightly more residential feel and the presence of larger, value-oriented accommodation options. It provides easy road access to Scarborough's beaches and parks, and the cost savings on accommodation can free up funds for activities like visits to the Settlement Cove Lagoon or whale watching tours during the season.
When is the most affordable time to visit Scarborough?
The most affordable time to visit Scarborough, Queensland, is generally during the shoulder seasons, specifically from late April to May and again from September to October. During these months, you'll find a sweet spot where the weather is pleasant, but the peak holiday crowds and prices of summer (December to February) and school holidays have subsided.

For solo travellers, visiting in these shoulder months means better deals on accommodation, from guesthouses to apartments, and fewer people vying for popular activities. You can enjoy the coastal walks along the Scarborough Beach foreshore or explore the Redcliffe Peninsula without the busy atmosphere, making it easier to find budget-friendly eats at local cafes or markets.

Families might also appreciate the quieter atmosphere and lower costs during these times. With fewer tourists, attractions like the Settlement Cove Lagoon (a free public swimming area) and the Scarborough Adventure Playground are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
Is Scarborough a budget-friendly destination?
While Scarborough, Queensland, is generally considered more expensive than some other Australian destinations, travellers can absolutely experience its charm on a budget with some smart planning.

For accommodation, consider self-catering apartments, which are plentiful in the area and allow for significant savings on dining. Alternatively, look for quieter guesthouses a little further from the main beachfront, which often offer better value. Solo travellers might find good deals at smaller, independent motels or even consider camping at nearby caravan parks for an authentic and very affordable experience.

Couples can enjoy many free activities, such as strolling along the picturesque Scarborough Beach, exploring the Redcliffe Peninsula's numerous walking and cycling paths, or visiting the Scarborough Beach Park for a relaxing afternoon. The weekly Redcliffe Markets, held on Sundays, offer an excellent opportunity to sample local produce and crafts without breaking the bank. For dining, look for local fish and chip shops or bakeries for delicious and inexpensive meals.
How can I save on a budget hotel in Scarborough with Expedia?
There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Scarborough. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on hotel bookings. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.
What free activities should we do in Scarborough?
Scarborough offers a delightful array of free activities, superb for budget-conscious solo travellers looking to soak up the Queensland sunshine and coastal charm.

Start your day with a stroll along the Scarborough Beach foreshore, taking in the panoramic views of Moreton Bay. The picturesque promenade is ideal for a leisurely walk or a brisk jog, with plenty of benches to pause and enjoy the sea breeze. You can also explore the Scarborough Beach Park, which features a vibrant playground and ample green space, superb for relaxing with a book.

For those interested in local history and nature, a wander through the Scarborough Marina offers views of various boats and the chance to spot local wildlife. Further along, the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens provide a serene escape with diverse plant collections and walking paths, offering a tranquil setting for contemplation.
Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Scarborough as a package?
Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.
Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Scarborough for you.

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